The Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, paid a condolence visit to the home of Late Barr. (Mrs.) Margaret Orakwusi in Ikoyi, on Monday.
Orakwusi died on April 28, 2023 after a brief illness as announced in a statement by Ezinma Ileka, Binyelum, and Ody Orakwusi (Children of Princess Margaret Nkem Onyema-Orakwusi)
Jamoh has described Orakwusi as someone who staked her all for the good of the nation’s shipping industry; even as he lamented that her demise is a huge loss to the maritime sector and the nation at large.
His words: “Orakwusi was a leader and an industry stakeholder extraordinaire who truly staked her all for the good of the nation’s maritime industry. She was humble and easy to talk to. She was brilliant and ever-bubbling with insightful counsel, always on the frontlines and willing to contribute.”
“Her every move and utterance was well-intentioned. Barely asking but always giving. Singlehandedly taking on the impossible, Barrister Margaret Orakwusi was loved by all. Oh! What a loss. May her memory be a blessing that inspires us all.”
Orakwusi was an amazon in the nation’s maritime sector, playing numerous strategic roles over the years including: Chairperson, Nigerian Ship-owners Forum; first female President, Nigeria Trawler Owners Association (NITOA) 2008 – 2011; Pioneer Co-Chairman, Nigerian Fisheries Laboratory, a joint venture between the Private Sector (NITOA) and the Federal Government (Ministry of Agriculture) established to certify seafood products exported from Nigeria.
She was also a member, Nigerian Bar Association 1985 to 2023; Member, Board of Trustees, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) 2014 to 2023; 1st Vice-President, Nigerian Ship Owners Association 2014; Chairman, Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) 2013 – 2014; Council Member, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping 2012 – 2023; among others.
